Messier, Mark John Douglas

1961 - Mark "The Moose" Messier was born on January 18th in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

1979 - He began his professional hockey career in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2nd round, 48th overall.

1982 - By his third year in the NHL, Messier was a bonafide star scoring over 100 points and combining with other Oiler greats to create a winning dynasty.

1985 - He was the playoff MVP when the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup, one of six cup victories for Messier in his distinguished career. Three more Stanley Cups would grace Messier and Oilers as he anchored the second line, behind all-time great, Wayne Gretzky.

1990 - When Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings, Messier emerged as a leader for the Oilers scoring a career high in points and leading them to a Stanley Cup victory.

1991 - He played for New York Rangers.

1994 - Ranger fans would only have to wait a couple of years as Messier led the team to the elusive Stanley Cup Championship.

1997 - Messier moved on to the Vancouver Canucks, a move that did not yield the desired results.

2000 - Injuries limited Messier's playing time in Vancouver and he returned to the New York Rangers.

2005-2006 - Mark Messier announced his retirement from hockey prior to the season.

- On January 12th, the New York Rangers held an elaborate ceremony to honour Messier and raised his number "11" into the rafters of Madison Square Gardens. He should be a shoe-in for the Hockey Hall of Fame.